Fuerteventura - Red Vented Bulbul

Whilst we spent most of the holiday in Fuerteventura by the pool, with the occasional trip to the beach, we did go on one day trip to the south of the island. We were actually visited a wildlife park / zoo, which made for a really good family day out (with the animals very well cared for and with plenty of room, unlike some other places we have seen). But there was a bird outside the park that caught my eye as we got off the coach which I couldn't identify. I didn't think much of it at first and was only able to get a grab shot of the bird on a telegraph wire.

But when we returned to get back on the coach, there was a large flock of these birds feeding in the bushes around the car park. I took quite a few photos without really knowing what I was photographing. It was only when I investigated later, that I found the birds to be Red Vented Bulbul.

The Red Vented Bulbul is a common bird in Asia, but according to my bird book, didn't appear to be a likely sighting in Fuerteventura. The very similar Common Bulbul seemed more likely but the colouring of the birds made identification very easy. But there are lots of internet records of these birds being found in Fuerteventura, with them originally being escapees or introduced birds. All I can say is that this flock of birds was definitely flying wild and free, and although very close to a wildlife park, there were no similar birds found in the park itself, captive or otherwise.    

They are quite attractive birds and I was quite pleased to get a few images before I was ushered back onto the bus!!

This first image was taken in the morning just as we arrived.

Red Vented BulbulFuerteventura, Canary Islands

But the more pleasing images were taken of the birds in the bushes later in the day. The first two images show the lovely mottling on the bird's chest, contrasted by its black face. You can just about make out the red patch at the base of the tail which gives the bird its name.

Red Vented BulbulFuerteventura, Canary Islands

Red Vented BulbulFuerteventura, Canary Islands

After a few minutes of waiting a couple of birds came quite close - you can see the red vent a lot better in these pictures. 

Red Vented BulbulFuerteventura, Canary Islands

Red Vented BulbulFuerteventura, Canary Islands  

Red Vented BulbulFuerteventura, Canary Islands

A striking bird I'm sure you'll agree.

For more images please go to the gallery here.